《靈寶領教濟度金書》Vol. 279

This scripture records the secret talismanic incantations (Fulu) used by the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school of Daoism, a major Daoist tradition, for liberating departed souls and severing the Three Corpses (Sanshi) - the three malevolent spirits believed to reside within the human body according to Daoist cosmology. The content is divided into two principal sections.

The first section contains the incantation for dispelling the Upper Corpse (Shangshi), one of the Three Corpses named Peng Ju. Manifesting as the harm of carnal desires, this entity can transform into nine types of monstrous birds or serpentine forms, causing the dispersal of human souls. The ritual involves forming the Jade Emperor hand seal, inscribing the "Jade Clarity Illuminating Treasure Talisman" on white silk with blue ink, accompanied by specific mantras to sever the root of sensual attachment. The incantation describes how the purified soul, having achieved purification in the Three Palaces (corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower Dantian), may bathe and change attire on an auspicious day before ascending to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) heaven in a jade carriage.

The second section targets the Middle Corpse (Zhongshi) named Peng Zhi, which embodies the harm of emotional attachments and causes mental derangement. Practitioners must inscribe the "Jade Clarity Enlightenment Treasure Talisman" on white silk with white ink while reciting accompanying mantras to eliminate this entity. The text emphasizes that after purification in the "Five Mansions" (divine residences corresponding to the five organs), the departed soul receives protection from true immortals and generates inner radiance.

Key cosmological references include the "Three Paths" (Santú) representing three torments of hell, the "Three Platforms" (Santai) denoting three principal stars of the Big Dipper, and "Taiyi" (Great Unity) as the deified North Star. These talismanic rituals must be performed by formally initiated Daoist priests (called Zhenren or Perfected Persons), invoking the talismanic authority of Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning), the supreme deity in Daoism, to effect the soul's liberation.

This passage describes the funerary liturgy (Keyi) and cultivation methods of the Lingbao school (one of Daoism's major traditions), incorporating ritual talismans (Fulu), visualization meditation, and ceremonial practices. The core teachings involve using specific incantations and rituals to purify body and mind while liberating departed souls.

"The radiance of the Five Emperors illuminates" refers to the sacred light of the Five Directional Celestial Sovereigns (Daoist directional deities). During the Zhongyuan Festival (a major Daoist observance), practitioners bathe and change into ritual garments. Through the "dissolving form to transform radiance" technique, their spirit (Shen) transforms into jade light and ascends to the Shangqing Heaven (one of Daoism's highest celestial realms), achieving unity with the cosmic void and eternal harmony with heaven and earth. The incantation's closing phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the Celestial Emperor's decree" is a standard Daoist formula indicating immediate execution of divine will.

The "liberating earth and purging boundaries" section explains the elimination of the "Lower Corpse" (in Daoist physiology, humans harbor Three Corpses; the lower corpse Pengjiao governs greed). Practitioners form the Jade Emperor hand-seal (specific mudra), inscribe talismans with white characters on yellow silk, and employ the "secret radiance of eternal life" internal cultivation (Neidan) method to eradicate desire. These talismans can open the dark passes (underworld barriers), liberating practitioners from the sea of cravings.

The Corpse-Slaying Incantation details the manifestation of Lower Corpse Pengjiao: it clings to human legs, generating greed and disturbing the Three Dantian (upper/middle/lower energy centers). After undergoing "threefold refinement" purification, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, Daoism's supreme deity) dispatches the Three Platforms Star Lords (Beidou constellation officials) to eradicate the lower corpse and its retinue. The Five Emperors record the practitioner's name, enabling them to bathe, don celestial robes, and ascend through the Three Realms.

The final section explains talismatic application: forming the Three Torments hand-seal (specific to hell realms), visualizing the Three Officials (heaven/earth/water deities) flanking the practitioner as guardians, and channeling Qi into the talisman. When burning the talisman, one forms the Celestial Emperor seal while reciting the "Jade Purity Treasure Talisman" incantation, liberating souls from hell realms and absolving karmic obstructions. "Extinguishing the Knife-Mountain Hell" refers to delivering souls from this Daoist hell realm (one of multiple underworld punishments), using "jade talismanic obliteration" to elevate the deceased through the Three Realms, with seven generations of ancestors ascending collectively. The Five Emperors bear witness, ten thousand spirits heed the call, ultimately achieving the cultivation state of "Qi merging with spontaneous nature" (Qi he ziran).

This scripture records the five jade talismans (Fulu) and their accompanying incantations used by the Lingbao tradition of Daoism for liberating souls from hell realms. Each talisman possesses specific salvific functions corresponding to particular hell dimensions:

The first "Jade Purity Flowing Essence Treasure Talisman" specifically dismantles the Hell of Wind Blades and Sword Trees. When reciting its incantation, the practitioner forms the Jade Purity hand mudra and inscribes the sigil on white silk. The chant describes yang qi ascending and yin-yang harmonizing, through which souls are refined by sacred fire to transcend infernal tortures and attain celestial purity for ascension.

The second "Jade Purity Flowing Radiance Jade Talisman" targets the Hell of Bronze Pillars. Its mantra severs the deceased's attachments to greed and delusion, ferrying them across the sea of carnal desires while liberating seven generations of ancestors, ultimately enabling spiritual flight toward immortality.

The third "Jade Purity Flowing Brilliance Treasure Talisman" dissolves the Hell of Dark Waves. The incantation emphasizes using jade sigils to absolve sins and cleanse karmic roots, delivering souls from frozen torment into carefree rebirth.

The fourth "Jade Purity Flowing Rosy Clouds Treasure Talisman" counters the Hell of Cauldron Boiling. Its verses assist souls in liberation from scalding waters, stripping away vain reputation while through inner cultivation (Neidan) gaining protection from demon kings, ultimately achieving unity with the Dao and ascension to the Purple Court celestial realm.

The text concludes with ritual instructions: forming the Supreme Deity's hand seal while visualizing one's transformation into Lingbao Tianzun (one of the Three Pure Ones/Sanqing), exhaling primordial ancestral qi (Yuanshi Zuqi) onto the talisman before chanting. Each incantation concludes with the imperial command "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the Supreme Deity's decree," signifying the enactment of divine authority. These talismans exemplify the Daoist soteriological method combining ritual performance, visualization (Cunxiang), and mantra recitation.

This scripture records various talismanic formulas (Fulu) used by the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school of Daoism for delivering deceased souls. The main contents include:

First is the "Jade Clarity Precious Talisman of Primordial Commencement's Mysterious Chapter," which describes how mysterious incantations can bridge Yin and Yang, eliminating the Five Karmic Hindrances (五累) and assisting souls to ascend to the Southern Changsheng Palace (the Daoist realm of eternal life in the south). The "General Edict Incantation" mentions that when forming hand seals and reciting spells, sacred Qi naturally manifests in the void. Using vermilion documents and dragon-shaped talismanic scripts can maintain cosmic order and stabilize wandering souls.

Seven specific talismans follow:

1. The "Great Brahma Talisman of Primordial Chaos" requires seven recitations while absorbing Qi from the Celestial Gate (a specific breathing technique in Daoist practice), summoning the Great Transformation Deity King of boundless power.

2. The "Nectar Talisman" is used during salvation rituals to provide pure nourishment for departed souls.

3. The "Infinite Talisman" involves twenty-one recitations, symbolizing the boundless sustenance from the Three Heavens to relieve hungry ghost realm beings.

4. The "Shackle-Removing Talisman" requires forming the Supreme Emperor hand seal to release souls from underworld tortures.

5. The "Rope-Severing Talisman," also using the Supreme Emperor seal, helps souls break free from bondage.

6. The "Clothing-Borrowing Talisman" manifests celestial garments for ragged souls, restoring their dignified appearance.

7. The "Throat-Opening Talisman" specifically aids hungry ghosts suffering from needle-throat affliction that prevents eating.

The final two talismans include the "Limb-Restoring Talisman" for maimed souls, and the "Karmic Knot-Release Talisman" requiring the Jade Clarity hand seal and Celestial Gate Qi to resolve past grievances. All incantations conclude with urgent execution commands, emphasizing immediate efficacy like divine decrees from the Jade Clarity True King of Divine Empyrean (a Daoist deity). These talismans exemplify Daoist ritual power in soul salvation and karmic resolution.

This scripture primarily discusses the Daoist practice of using ritual talismans (fulu, sacred documents with spiritual power) to resolve karmic grievances and absolve sins. Here is the modern interpretation in sections:

The supreme deity Taishang Laojun (Lord Lao the Most High) descends divine edicts that can absolve all accumulated enmities and resentments from past, present, and future lives. These karmic obstructions are liberated, allowing deceased souls to be saved and reborn as celestial beings. The text emphasizes immediate execution, like a legal decree.

This is the incantation for the "Talisman for Resolving Karmic Grievances": The Heavenly Emperor issues an edict, commanding the talisman to swiftly deliver its message. All enmities and oppositions must be quickly dissolved, sins pardoned, enabling deceased souls to audience with the Heavenly Emperor. Again stressing immediate enforcement.

The incantation for the "Talisman for Breaking Curses": May the talisman swiftly reach the divine realm. If grievances come seeking redress, if resentments remain unsettled, all accumulated angers and suppressed frustrations may seek justice in the divine halls. Sins originally recorded in the underworld's ledgers shall today be resolved, restoring harmony. This must be immediately executed by the Supreme Deity's command.

The "Talisman for Extracting Sins and Resolving Grievances" section mentions multiple high-ranking deities: Taishang Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of the Most High), the Jade Emperor, and Tianzhen Huangren (a high-ranking Daoist immortal) jointly work to deliver salvation. The celestial talisman aligns with divine will, illuminating the dark underworld. The radiance of sun, moon, and stars dispels underworld darkness, while the Eight Directional Divine Might exhales spiritual Qi (vital energy), halting the sins and karmic knots of deceased souls.

This talisman harmonizes with the Three Lights (sun, moon, stars), the Three Platforms (stellar officials), and the Three Origins (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials). With the assistance of perfected beings (zhenren), it breaks through the Northern Fengdu Hell below while elevating souls above. The Nine Heavens' Supreme Deity, the Seven Luminaries (sun, moon, and five planets), the Eight Spirits (directional deities), and the Primordial Lady of Purple Qi from Shangqing (Highest Clarity) jointly descend with absolution, elevating deceased souls.

A special note emphasizes this extraordinary pardon—even Beidi Fengdu (Lord of Hell) must comply. Souls receiving these pardon documents shall be released to ascend to celestial realms. The Primordial Lady of the Purple Tenuity (Polaris deity) absolves sins, while the Jade Clarity Realm's (highest heaven) decree dissolves karmic grievances. The Heavenly Emperor's edict unites with the Dao, universally proclaiming to the underworld.

Wronged souls may report grievances to receive pardon, undergoing salvation at the Vermilion Palace (southern salvation site). Now receiving deliverance through the talisman, they transform and are reborn at Southern Mound, their spirits purified to ascend to Shangqing Heaven.

The final command incantation: The Crimson Script of Heavenly Unity (sacred talismanic writing) originates from the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, highest Daoist trinity), connecting heaven above and the underworld below. The Purple Primordial Talisman can pardon souls, even erasing sins from the deepest Luo-Feng Hell. The Heavenly Emperor's decree commands the Three Officials to remove karmic retribution—this must be immediately executed.

The "Talisman for Resolving Ten Grievances" states: When grievances accumulate in the heart unresolved, the Numinous Officials (protective deities) mediate harmony, completely erasing karmic records. Together with compassionate hearts, they ascend to Mount Jade Capital (immortal realm). Countless souls in the underworld—if their ten types of grievances remain unresolved—will suffer eternally in hell. The Heavenly Emperor pities their suffering, and Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) bestows great grace. Those receiving this talisman shall all obtain liberation.

This scripture records several Daoist talismans (fulu) and ritual methods for healing illnesses and delivering the deceased, primarily involving the summoning of divine beings such as Celestial Physician Emissaries and Healing Officers. The details are as follows:

The first section contains an incantation to summon the Celestial Physician Emissaries—divine beings specialized in medical care within Daoism. These emissaries descend from the celestial realm to the ritual altar upon command, purifying and restoring the bodies of departed souls. The chant specifies forming the Jade Purity Hand Seal (Yuqingjue) and emphasizes acting under the decree of the Supreme Deity (Shangdi).

The second part invokes the Healing Officers, a divine medical team including the Nine Heavens Bian Que Officials (renowned ancient physicians deified in Daoism), Celestial Physician Immortals, and Medicine Attendant Youths. Carrying miraculous elixirs, they eradicate all diseases, dissolve calamities, and cure intractable illnesses. The incantation particularly mentions resolving "corpse-transmitting ghost debts"—ailments caused by malevolent spirits.

The third section presents chants for treating twenty-four categories of diseases. By harmonizing the principles of Yin-Yang, the Four Symbols, and the Five Phases' generative cycles, and through the power of Celestial Physician Emissaries using mystic herbs like black ganoderma (xuanzhi) and cinnabar (dansha), patients' meridians are regulated and health restored.

The fourth technique, "Shedding Form and Leaving Suffering," requires quiet meditation and prostrations to the Azure Mystery Supreme Deity (Qingxuan Shangdi). The practitioner visualizes three colored Qi—azure, yellow, and white—emanating from the Three Palaces (upper, middle, and lower Dantian) within the body, gradually filling the entire form, ritual space, and ultimately heaven and earth, transforming into crimson flames. Drawing talismans with specific hand seals channels this light to help departed souls escape rebirth in lower realms (like the animal kingdom) and regain human incarnation.

Finally, the "Transforming Form and Altering Appearance" chant petitions primordial deities like the Primordial Supreme Deity (Yuanshi Shangdi) and Jade Perfected Lord of Great Unity (Taiyi Yuzhen) to infuse the talisman with the essence of the Five Planets. Sprinkling this empowered water on animals changes their forms, enabling their spirits to follow the deceased in receiving salvation. The incantation references numinous medicines like "Imperial Jade Nectar" (huanghua yuye) and "Essence of Sun and Moon" (riyue jingying), which—through the transformative power of Great Unity (Taiyi)—achieve physical metamorphosis.

These practices reflect Daoist religious approaches to healing and salvation through talismans, visualization, and hand seals, embodying the doctrinal principle of "delivering departed souls" (jidu wanghun).

This scripture describes a set of Daoist "Body Restoration Talismans" (Quanxing Fu) and their accompanying rituals, primarily used for the salvation of deceased souls and physical reconstitution. The complete set comprises three differently colored talismans (Green Emperor Fu, Red Emperor Fu, White Emperor Fu) each with corresponding incantations.

The cultivation method is explained as follows: The practitioner must face north, perform nine teeth-knocking sequences, form the "Mao Seal" hand gesture (a specific Daoist mudra), and silently recite mantras. While inscribing the talisman, one must absorb Qi from the eastern direction, visualizing the Supreme Savior from Suffering (Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun) riding a lion arriving from the east to enter the talisman. The ritual then invokes thirty-six perfected beings (Zhenren) and celestial generals for assistance, sprinkles consecrated water for purification, and employs the talismanic power to transform the deceased's form and elevate their soul to heaven.

The specific talismans include:

1) The green paper talisman inscribed with black ink corresponds to the Eastern Green Emperor. Its incantation contains imagery of "dragon patterns and tiger seals" that purify liver Qi channels, erase death records from the underworld registers, and assist souls in ascending to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) celestial realm.

2) The red paper talisman written in azure ink aligns with the Southern Red Emperor. Its mantra emphasizes the "flowing essence of three Qi energies" to consolidate foundational vitality, illuminate both internal and external being, ultimately guiding souls to the southern immortal courts.

3) The white paper talisman marked in yellow ink relates to the Western White Emperor (though details are not fully elaborated in the text).

Each talisman concludes with the imperative phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (jiji rulüling), signifying immediate activation. This integrated ritual combines core Daoist practices including visualization (Cunxiang), mudra techniques (Qiejue), incantation recitation (Nianzhou), and talismanic inscription (Shufu), harnessing the Five Phases' energies to reconstruct physical forms for departed souls and liberate them from samsaric cycles.

This scripture documents the Lingbao School's talismanic incantations (Fulu) and cultivation methods for delivering departed souls and protecting fetuses. The content is organized into several key sections:

The first section presents cultivation techniques related to the "Seven Souls of the Purple Chamber," detailing how specific mantras (such as "Golden Radiance Illuminates and Refines the Souls") harmonize the seven corporeal souls (Daoism recognizes three ethereal Hun souls and seven physical Po souls) within the body. Practitioners who "preserve their essence (Jing) naturally" can achieve rejuvenation effects described as "transforming appearance into childlike countenance." The text mentions the "Seven Qi (vital energies) Celestial Lords of the Western Heaven," divine beings governing the western celestial realm.

Next are the talismans corresponding to the Five Directional Celestial Emperors:

• The Complete Form Talisman of the Black Emperor (Northern Celestial Emperor), written on white paper with ink. Its incantation emphasizes nourishing kidney Qi through the "Six Yin and Three Qian" method to achieve "physical and spiritual liberation."
• The Complete Form Talisman of the Yellow Emperor (Central Celestial Emperor), inscribed on yellow paper with cinnabar. The mantra "Mysterious Unity Regulates Qi" describes harmonizing primordial energy to make "all bones flourish," ultimately enabling ascension to the "Jade Capital" (Daoism's supreme celestial realm).

The final section contains specialized talismans for fetal matters:

• Birth Talisman assists difficult deliveries
• Stillborn Talisman handles miscarriages
• Purification Talisman cleanses the fetus
• Blood Impurity Talisman purifies postpartum pollution
• Evil-Dispelling Talisman protects fetuses from malign influences

Each talisman concludes with the formulaic phrase "By the urgent command of [Celestial Lord]'s celestial decree"—a distinctive Daoist incantation format indicating immediate execution under a deity's authority. These talismans reflect Daoism's profound concern with the life-generating process and its corresponding religious solutions.

This scripture records multiple talismanic incantations (Fulu) and ritual procedures used in Daoist salvation rites for deceased souls, comprising several key components:

The "Return to Truth Liberation Talisman" employs sacred invocations to help departed spirits break free from illusions and return to their original nature, enabling swift ascension to the Jade Void celestial realm. Next comes the "Bathing and Refining Form Talisman," used during purification baths for male and female souls, summoning them through ablution rituals to transcend into the Purple Court (celestial palaces).

The "Great Mysterious Divine Water Talisman" details the purification process using heavenly river water: the sacred water from the Eastern Well constellation (one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions) cleanses the soul's yin impurities, rendering the spirit-body jade-pure. The incantation describes Golden Boys and Jade Maidens (Daoist attendant deities) scattering purple mist and divine light, while Five Directional Qi (Five Phases energy) merges with Threefold Primordial Clouds (heaven-earth-human energies). Drinking this water restores the soul's complete form.

During the ritual, the priest must visualize crimson sunlight and yellow lunar essence converging, imagining the departed soul standing lotus-born like an infant in the bathing pool. Nine sprinklings of water complete the purification. The "Transformation Garment Talisman" then clothes the soul in celestial attire: the Six-Zhu Robe (weightless heavenly garment) and crimson gauze immortal robes, adorning them with solemn dignity.

The "Celestial Sovereign Symbol Talisman" and "Great Cavern Eighteen Jade Talismans" represent advanced salvation instruments. The latter requires the priest to first calm the spirit, knock teeth thirty-nine times, and recite incantations that fill the soul's Three Palaces (upper/middle/lower Dantian), facilitating celestial ascent while simultaneously redeeming seven generations of ancestors. The ritual concludes with swallowing thirty-nine mouthfuls of saliva to complete the talismanic inscription.

These talismans exemplify the Daoist system of soul redemption through sacred language, visualization, and numerical symbolism (like nine and thirty-nine), constructing sacred space for liberating departed spirits.

This scripture records the talismanic practices of the Shenxiao lineage (an important Daoist school of the Song Dynasty), detailing rituals to summon deities for reconstructing the practitioner's bodily organs. Here are the key elements:

The Life-Granting Great Emperor (deity presiding over vitality) issues a divine decree, commanding the Shenxiao Chief Talisman General to lead celestial troops. Phrases like "black-scaled swiftness" and "soaring winged flight" depict the deities' rapid descent. "Mud Pellet and Crimson Palace" refer to the upper Dantian (crown of the head) and middle Dantian (heart center) - crucial cultivation points where deities receive "primordial chaotic breath" (cosmic primal energy) to help practitioners swiftly refine cerebral forms.

Each talisman has specific protocols:

• Brain Talisman: Written with cinnabar on white silk, it invokes the Brain Deity "Red Script Chaos Lord." Practitioners form the Chen hand seal (specific finger mudra) to draw celestial qi from above.
• Eye Talisman: Written with cinnabar on blue silk, it calls the Left Eye Deity "Light-Penetrating Lord" and Right Eye Deity "Dawn Infant Lord," using the middle finger mudra to gather qi from the southeast (Xun position).
• Tongue Talisman: Written with cinnabar on yellow silk, it summons the Tongue Deity "Soaring Yang Lord" with Chen mudra to draw Xun-direction qi.
• Heart Talisman: Written with cinnabar on blue silk, it invokes the Heart Deity "Mystic Pearl Lord" through middle finger mudra to gather qi from extraordinary directions.

Mantras like "Om Midhi ji Midhi bo gui he" incorporate Sanskrit dhāraṇī, concluding with "By the urgent decree of the Most High Shenxiao Jade Clarity True King" to indicate immediate execution of the supreme deity's command. Practices combine visualization (cunxiang) of guardian deities like the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, plus the energies of the Five Stars (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Saturn).

These rituals belong to Daoism's "body deity cultivation" system, which posits that every body part hosts resident spirits. Through talismans (fulu), mudras, and visualization, practitioners can mobilize cosmic forces to reconstruct their physical form.

This scripture records the esoteric talismanic incantations for "Summoning the Five Directional Divine Lords" in Daoist practice, primarily used for internal cultivation and healing. It contains five corresponding sets of incantations, each targeting one of the five viscera (liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and yin organs) for cultivation.

The first incantation summons the Liver Spirit (Green Thearch Lord, styled Mengguang). Practitioners must face east (the Qi of True East), form the Li Hand Seal (a type of Daoist mudra), and inscribe the talisman on green paper. The phrase "Most Exalted Jade Pure King of Divine Empyrean" refers to a supreme Daoist deity, representing the highest authority issuing the command.

The second incantation summons the Spleen Spirit (Purple Court Lord, styled Yannian). Yellow talisman paper is used, forming the Middle Finger Civil Hand Seal while facing the central direction (Central Qi). The incantation mentions "Six Geng and Six Jia," referring to the divine generals of the sexagenary cycle, and "Azure Dragon and White Tiger," the guardian deities of the four directions.

The third incantation summons the Lung Spirit (Bright Cavern Lord, styled Jicheng). White paper is used, forming the Fourth Finger Middle Joint Hand Seal while facing the Chen direction (southeast). "Divine Warriors of the Three Realms" denotes the celestial soldiers of the heavenly, earthly, and aquatic realms.

The fourth incantation summons the Kidney Spirit (Great Abyss Lord, styled Qiudu). Black paper is used, forming the Zi Civil Hand Seal while facing north (True North Qi). The phrases "Southern Mound Thearch Lord" and "Northern Black Thearch" refer to deities governing their respective directions.

The fifth incantation is unique, focusing on cultivation of the yin organs. It invokes "Primordial Supreme Venerable" (Yuanshi Tianzun), the "Five Directional Thearchs" (rulers of the five directions), and the "Four Great Marshals" (Daoist guardian generals). This section emphasizes the swift manifestation of the "Life-Prolonging Divine Lord."

Each incantation concludes with the repeated phrase: "Urgently, urgently, in accordance with the decree of the Most Exalted Jade Pure King of Divine Empyrean"—a common Daoist formula indicating immediate execution under the highest divine authority. Practice requires coordinating specific hand seals, directional orientations, talisman colors, and visualization methods to mobilize the spirits of the five viscera for health preservation and healing.

This scripture documents the secret talismanic incantations (Fulu) and hand seals used by the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school of Daoism in their salvation rituals. The content is divided into five sections, corresponding to the five stages of human formation: embryonic membrane (Bao), fetus (Tai), joints (Jie), blood (Xue), and final consolidation (Jie).

The first section concerns the "Embryonic Membrane Talisman":

When reciting the mantra "Om dao dao liu ji gu chi ni she ji ji," one must write it with cinnabar on black talismanic paper to summon the yin spirit "Lord of Life Continuation" (styled Boqiang). The ritual begins by pinching the base of the middle finger, then moving to its middle segment while drawing Qi from the northwest direction into the talisman. This incantation petitions the Primordial Lord of Northern Dipper and the six yin spirits of the caverns, commanding "Qiufu" to swiftly form the embryo.

The second section details the "Fetus Talisman":

Written with cinnabar on blue-green paper to summon the fetal spirit "Lord of Impermanence" (styled Qiufu). The practitioner pinches the middle segment of the middle finger while drawing Qi from the southeast (Xun position). The chant invokes the Fusang Divine Tree and the Great Yin Star Lord, ordering "Yinhe" to complete fetal formation.

The third section describes the "Joints Talisman" ritual:

Yellow paper with white characters summons the joint spirit "Lord of Profound Radiance" (styled Kongyou). Pinching moves from the finger's base to middle segment while absorbing northwest Qi. The incantation follows the command of Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun) and the Great Emperor of the South Pole, summoning "Kongyou" to finalize limb formation.

The fourth section employs the "Blood Talisman":

Blue-green paper with cinnabar writing calls forth the blood spirit "Lord of Central Darkness" (styled Liangbi). The hand seal progresses from finger base to upper segment while drawing northwest Qi. The chant petitions the Essence of Great Yin Waters, commanding "Liangbi" to complete blood generation.

The final "Consolidation Talisman" ritual:

Incantations summon the Seven Primordial Spirit Lords and Four Sacred Deities, who by heavenly mandate command "Yanxia" to lead the perfected host in completing life's final coagulation. Each mantra concludes with the imperial decree: "By the ordinance of the Jade Clarity True King of Highest Divine Empyrean."

These talismans incorporate esoteric Daoist techniques including:

• Mudras (specific finger pinching methods)
• Directional Qi absorption (drawing cosmic energies from cardinal directions)
• Divine summoning systems

As crucial Lingbao salvation magic from the Song dynasty, each developmental stage corresponds to presiding deities. The coordinated use of talismans (Fu), incantations (Zhou), and hand seals (Jue) symbolically recreates the process of life formation.

This scripture records several types of Daoist talismans (Fulu) and their methods of creation and application, forming essential components of the Lingbao school's salvation rituals (Zhaijiao). Each talisman contains the following key elements:

First is the authoritative source, uniformly marked with "By the decree of the Most High Jade Clarity True King of Divine Empyrean" — one of the supreme deities venerated in the Shenxiao lineage, equivalent to an imperial mandate from the Celestial Emperor. This is followed by Sanskrit-derived incantations like "Om julu mohong he bolin xiangluo she," believed to possess the power to summon divine beings.

Different talismans require specific writing methods: vermilion ink on plain paper (red talismans), blue ink (blue talismans), or yellow paper with white characters (yellow talismans). Each corresponds to distinct deities such as "Lord Jiuhua Yanzha" or "Lord Yuanchu Zhuzhu," all possessing unique names and titles.

Creation involves specific hand mudras (finger positions): the "Chen position" indicates a specific finger arrangement in the earthly branch system, while the "Zi position" represents another. Practitioners must also gather Qi from designated directions — like "Primordial Chen Qi" or "Northern Mysterious Qi" — and channel it into the talisman.

Their functions vary: some summon water-fire generals to assist in refinement, others harness the power of the Five Planets and the Jade Maiden of Purple Light to purify the Five Phases (Wuxing), while certain talismans can blend hundreds of deities to receive the Jade Emperor's commands or forge human forms through Yin-Yang fusion. All conclude with "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes," signifying immediate efficacy.

Primarily used in salvation rituals for deceased souls and refinement practices, these talismans employ specific ceremonial power to either liberate spirits or assist cultivators in achieving spiritual goals. Each talisman's creation and application requires strict lineage transmission and should never be performed casually.